Southampton transfer news: Saints target Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld

However, Ronald Koeman faces competition for the Belgian

Southampton have made a move for Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld but will face stiff competition.

The 25-year-old is reportedly being chased by a number of clubs with Monaco and maybe Arsenal interested in the Belgian defender.

Alderweireld is keen to leave La Liga because he wants more first-team opportunities, he played just 12 La Liga matches for the Spanish champions last season.

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal could seek a loan move for the centre-back, but he may prefer a move to Southampton where he can be more assured of game time.

Alderweireld joined Atletico for £6million from Ajax last summer, but could not get into what became one of the best defences in Europe, anchored by Diego Godin and Joao Miranda.

He was part of Marc Wilmots' Belgian World Cup squad playing four matches in the tournament as a right-back.